In the inverted-U theory, what does the Y-axis represent?

In the inverted-U theory, the Y-axis represents increasing performance, which reflects how athletes’ performance levels can vary in relation to their arousal states. The theory posits that there is an optimal level of arousal that leads to peak performance; when arousal is too low, performance may suffer due to a lack of motivation or focus. Conversely, when arousal is too high, it can also impede performance due to anxiety or overstimulation. Therefore, the peak of the curve on the graph, which depicts this theory, indicates the point of maximum performance achieved at the optimal level of arousal. This illustrates the relationship between performance and arousal, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance for optimal outcomes in sports and exercise contexts.